L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — Lowell Reedstrom was initiated into our local in 1955. After 24 years as a Local 292 hand, he and other members made the difficult decision to leave the security of their home local. They were the first to form a new local representing west central and southern Minnesota. Lowell’s name is listed as a charter member of Local 343, established April 1, 1979. He is a 69-year member. At 93, he attends the retirees’ lunches in Mankato.
John Swanson, our political coordinator, was elected one of the Minnesota delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. It’s likely that he is the first Local 343 member to attend the convention as a delegate.
Because of member Chad Pestorious’ generosity, Local 343 was officially recognized at the annual IBEW reunion in Idaho. He donated to sponsor a hole at the golf outing.
Retired member Bruce Behrens once said: “The union isn’t the hall. The union is the members.” Those words hold the same power today as they have through the years.
Tom Small, P.S.
